The Ford 999 was named after New York's record-breaking steam locomotive and is at the root of a Ford legend that spans over 100 years! The Ford 999 was a nameplate attached to two distinct but similar racers built by Henry Ford during the early 20th century. Though Ford's name was attached to the cars and the ensuing legend, he had ironically sold his stake in them for $800 to Barney Oldfield and collaborator Tom Cooper when the cars had refused to start during a test drive two weeks before the first race. (Ultimately, Ford would abandon his share of the racing money, but would reserve the right to promotions and publicity of the cars, which secured his image behind their eventual successes.) In summer of 1902, Cooper and Oldfield carried out further work and got the red one working. Oldfield, despite having absolutely no driving experience, learned how to race the 999. In his October 1902 debut, a five-mile race known as the Manufacturers' Challenge Cup, despite a strong challenge from Alexander Winton once again (which was the rematch for which Ford had originally planned), Oldfield easily won. The 999 set a course speed record at the track at Grosse Pointe, and went on to tour America and score many other victories. This 1/18 scale replica has been recreated faithfully by Exoto! It has been crammed full of features - here's just a few: simulated brass intake manifolds and more, accurate steering function with all metal construction, locking battery box containing six wired beer can-type batteries, simulated wood chassis features machine turned nuts and bolts, and metal brackets, foot brake acts on spring-loaded mechanism that tightens a genuine leather strap on the rear brake drum, over 650 genuine pressed brass fittings threaded onto cooling pipes in the huge radiator, hand-laced brass wire wheels with balloon-type Firestone tires, spring-loaded pedal, flywheel brake, leather-covered seat, brass fuel tank breather, and a WHOLE LOT MORE!!
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